South Africans gathered in numbers outside the international arrivals terminal at O.R. Tambo International Airport to welcome singer and performer Makhadzi after she scooped the Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act at the 2024 BET Awards held in Los Angeles, USA, this past weekend. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture's chief director, Tsholofelo Lejaka, as the new Minister, Gayton McKenzie, is in Parliament today being sworn into office. 

When the nomination was announced some weeks ago, one would expect the Department of Spor, Arts, and Culture to foot the bill for its national treasure. However, Makhadzi and her team paid for the trip from their own pockets to travel to Los Angeles. She cried out for help, asking for financial assistance. However, to make her dream of a reality, she took out a loan so she could travel and accept the award.

She candidly revealed that she made the loan to make her dream a reality on a podcast and later told ZiMoja. "Everyone knows about my tax issue. Every month, I make sure that I pay it. I also have a team that I depend on highly," she said. "For me to make it to the BET, I had to make a loan; ask a mashonisa. It's not something I am proud of, but I had to borrow the money for me to make sure I made it to the awards," she added. "I was investing in myself and my career. I have myself to answer at the end of the day. I travelled business class, and I came back with the trophy."

 Makhadzi's manager, Lucky Tshilimandila, told ZiMoja that he was unaware of a loan being made to pay for her seat in business class. "I am not aware of the mashonisa story, but I heard about it, and we are looking into the matter," he said. "The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture has always supported Makhadzi in her shows and concerts. The awards came at a crucial time in our country, which was during the elections, and we understood. We are currently in talks with arts and culture, and we welcome their support," he added.